The rookie class of 2025 hasn't even had the chance to step on the field for preseason yet, but the 2026 mock drafts are already starting. Widely thought to be a successful 2025 offseason, the Patriots will be hoping to be picking a lot later than number four come April, but in this mock by Pro Football Network, they only managed the 14th pick.
For context, last season's 14th selection went to the Indianapolis Colts, who brought in Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson this offseason. If that's the case, the team will undoubtedly need some help.
Way-too-early 2026 mock draft has the Patriots focus on the defense early
Round 1 | Pick 14: ED Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
Brother of DJ, Matayo was a productive player in 2024, recording 10.5 sacks for the No. 1-ranked team in the country. He played 600 snaps and recorded a 75.5 overall PFF grade. He also graded out at least a 75 in both pass rush and coverage, showing versatility at 270 pounds while also having a 64.2 grade against the run.
The edge room has raised concerns this offseason, and Harold Landry will be 30 before the start of next season. Adding another pass rusher to a group that features Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and Keion White across the defensive line sounds like a great idea.
Round 2 | Pick 46: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
The Patriots added Robert Spillane and re-signed Christian Elliss, but they'll get better if they add Hill. A 72.9 overall PFF grade and an 80.1 score against the run, Hill is still mobile enough at 237 pounds to cover, ranking around the middle among all college linebackers graded. 76% of his snaps came in the box, but he also played over 100 snaps as the slot corner.
They need more athleticism in the front seven, and by adding players like Spillane in free agency and Hill in the draft, more athleticism is exactly what they'll get.
Round 3 | Pick 78: WR Josh Cameron, Baylor
The 2025 offseason saw the additions of Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and rookie Kyle Williams to the squad. The unit adds another player here in 218-pound Cameron. Diggs has shown he can be a bit of a loose cannon off the field, and with the structure of his contract, there's no guarantee he'll be with the team in 2026. Even if he is, the team could stand to add another talented player.
Cameron broke out in 2024 with over 750 yards from 52 catches and 10 touchdowns. He went for over 100 yards in four games, including the Texas Bowl loss against LSU in which he recorded an eight-catch, 111-yard statline that also featured a touchdown. A true wide out is something the Patriots need, and perhaps Williams and Cameron can be the new duo for the next decade.
While it's far too early to put any real stock in mock drafts, they can be interesting to look back on. PFF's 2025 Way-Too-Early Mock saw James Pearce Jr. go No. 1 and Carson Beck and Deone Walker in the top ten, but also had the Patriots grabbing Will Campbell, though at No. 2. In a year or so, mocks like these are often the ones to look back at and laugh about.